FIOE: We stand united with St-Etienne-du-Rouvray church, as attacking sanctuaries is a violation of all religious and human values

25.07.2016

Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe: We stand united with St-Etienne-du-Rouvray church, as attacking sanctuaries is a violation of all religious and human values

Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe (FIOE) denounces, in the strongest terms possible, the terror attack perpetrated on Tuesday, 26 July 2016, against the church of Saint Etienne-du-Rouvray, in a suburb of Rouen in northern France, where a priest has been killed, others injured, and churchgoers intimidated. FIOE stands united with the Catholic Church in this time of sorrow, confirming its principled position that violence and terrorism have no religion, and facing such despicable threats requires concerted efforts of the entire society. Therefore, all components and living forces of the society are summoned to stand united against the attempts to spread division and communal hatred.

In the same context, FIOE expresses its deep concern at the recent violent developments in Germany and France, besides the political and media discourse, which disregards the fact that Muslims are also victims of these attacks. This insensitive approach in handling the situation does not serve, by any means, the coherence of our European societies in facing terror threats and criminal attacks that target all of us without distinction. FIOE reaffirms solidarity with the people of France in this painful situation, conveys deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.